Cineworld Barnsley reveals the stars of its new cinema

There's something very exciting happening in Barnsley, South Yorkshire on September 23 – a brand-new Cineworld cinema is opening its doors!

Located in The Glass Works retail and leisure complex in the heart of Barnsley, this state-of-the-art movie destination contains 13 screens, which will show everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to revisited movie classics. Of course, there will also be a delicious range of snacks and drinks available to enjoy while you watch your movie, from pick 'n' mix and ice cream, to hot food and cold beverages. There's even a Starbucks outlet, meaning you can sip a warming latte or hot chocolate in your seat.   

Meet the ambassadors

Cineworld Barnsley opens on September 23, and to make the launch extra-special for film fans in the area, it has recruited four local celebrities as ambassadors, each of whom are native to Barnsley.

First up, there's David 'Dai' Bradley (pictured above), the renowned actor who received a BAFTA award for his portrayal of Billy Casper in Ken Loach's 1969 cult classic Kes – a movie that was filmed in the town. Kes was based on a novel by Barnsley author Barry Hines, a statue of whom was unveiled in the town centre last year. It's the creator of that statue, local artist Graham Ibbeson, who is the second ambassador. One of Britain's best-loved sculptors, Graham (pictured below) is also responsible for the statues of movie legends Cary Grant and Laurel & Hardy, which stand in Bristol and Ulverston respectively, and Cineworld Barnsley is thrilled to have him on board.

Ambassador number three is another much-loved Barnsley author – Joanne Harris OBE. Born in the South Yorkshire town and educated at Barnsley Sixth Form College, Joanne (pictured below) has penned many bestselling novels, including Chocolat – which was made into an Oscar-winning film starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche.

Last but certainly not least, a name that'll be very familiar to youngsters around the country. Barnsley-born Lee Hinchcliffe (pictured below) is one of the UK's top YouTubers, making videos on everything from gaming to fast food, as well as being a presenter on CBBC. With more than 350,000 subscribers to his channel, he's fast becoming a social media superstar. 

Despite their diverse areas of expertise, these four ambassadors have one thing in common: they're thrilled to have a new cinema opening in Barnsley – especially one as exciting as this. “It makes you feel good to go to the movies,” said Dai Bradley. “So, to have a state-of-the-art, all-singing and dancing cinema like the Cineworld… What more could you want?”

Cineworld will introduce local movie fans to some truly breathtaking cinematic experiences. From the multi-sensory thrill ride that is 4DX, to the spectacular scale and quality of IMAX with Laser, our cutting-edge innovations take movie-watching to a whole new level. Then there's ScreenX, in which movies are presented on a 270-degree wraparound screen that really thrusts the viewer into the thick of the action.

For Graham Ibbeson, these new technologies will make going to the cinema even more memorable. “I can’t wait for this new ScreenX,” he says. “This is all the way around you, you’re actually there. Unbelievable. And also, bringing my grandkids as well, they’ll love that 4DX!”

What to watch at Cineworld Barnsley

So, what will visitors to Cineworld Barnsley be able to watch when it opens on September 23? There are a number of exciting releases to look forward to, from the psychological drama Don't Worry Darling (from September 23), starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh, to action-packed epics like Black Adam (from October 21) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (from November 11). For kids, there's animated adventure Tad the Lost Explorer and the Curse of the Mummy (from September 9). And James Cameron's 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar is being re-released on Cineworld Barnsley's opening weekend, so don't miss your chance to watch it on one of the cinema's eye-popping screens.

But before all of that, Cineworld Barnsley will be getting ready for the launch with a special outdoor festival at The Glass Works. Held on September 22 – the day before the cinema opens – it'll feature a whole host of acts and activities, including Avatar characters performing acrobatics, local saxophonist Catherine Rannus playing songs from the films, a mechanical 4DX rodeo chair, and, of course, an appearance from the cinema's four ambassadors. Filled with fun and anticipation, it should be a fitting fanfare.